Lanette Hansen's Blog

Push Pull Pedal

by Lanette Hansen,posted Jun 7 2013 2:05PM

Just a little over four years ago a miracle baby was born. He's my nephew, Carter. He was born with a very serious congenital heart defect called Tetralogy of Fallot with Absent Pulminary Valve. My sister and brother in law were told this at their 20-week ultrasound. I'm thankful every day that we live in an area with such an amazing medical community so that this was detected before Carter's grand entrance into our world. Although it made the second half of the pregnancy uneasy and at times unbearable because of the fear of the unknown, my sister and brother in law had time to research and get their hearts ready for the fight they were about to get in the ring for.

There were many, many medical professionals in the delivery room ready to give Carter every single shot at life. They quickly intubated him, took him to the NICU and monitored his every breath. While it was all very impressive, it also was a punch to the gut that my nephew required that many people in the room to ensure his safety. I knew he was hooked up to more things than I care to remember, but every day I walked into his room and all I saw was his beautiful brown eyes saying 'hi auntie Netty.' He had his good days, he had his bad days...but don't we all.

This little guy inspired me to run my first marathon. He reminds me that life is fragile so be careful...but not too careful. Carter is a miracle even on a day when your faith has been completely shattered.

From the doctors, to the nurses, to the managers and everyone in between, the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin and more specifically the Herma Heart Center not only saved Carter, but saved our family. Every day they treated Carter and managed us. They made sure my sister was eating and my brother in law got some sleep and they did it with care and patience.

For these reasons and so many more, I'm taking part in a fundraiser tomorrow called Push Pull Pedal. It's a fundraiser for the Herma Heart Center...the place that I owe too much to even put into words. If you'd like to take a look at a picture montage I put together of one of the most handsome boys ever, go ahead and click here. Read his story and if you're so inclined, make a donation. Thank you!